Tuesday, June 27, 2023
“For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you” (Philippians 1:23,24 KJV).
In what way was Paul self-centered—in what way was he self-sacrificing?
When anger is coupled with self-pity, depression is the only outcome. Feeling sorry for self is, frankly and literally, selfish. “I have it so rough and I do not want to be here anymore!” This is immature. We need to shut our mouths and do some Bible study and adult spiritual thinking before we say anything else.
Firstly, if we are willing to look hard enough, we can find someone far worse off than we are. Our troubles do not compare to their difficulties. In fact, we can be quite sure they would love to trade places with us in the snap of a finger, the blink of an eye, the beat of a heart. Having undergone the exchange, we would wish we still had our so-called “problems!”
Secondly, we absolutely (!) must (!) understand the Christian life is the very life of Jesus Christ Himself—not futile attempts to mimic His life (works-religion!), but His very life. It is the Christian life… the Christian life… the CHRISTian life!
“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross” (Philippians 2:3-8).
Until the Lord Jesus Christ returns to take us out of this present evil world, Earth is right where He wants us to be. Therefore, perhaps we should assume God knows more than we do, and has a purpose for us here before we get to Heaven….